10 Things to know about Labrador Retriever Dog
Labrador retrievers or simply labradors are America’s favorite dogs, in fact, it ranked first for 30 consecutive years as the most popular dog according to the American kennel club AKC and it’s not hard to see why.
Labradors are loving, easy-going, and energetic dogs who can easily learn tricks and commands
They can cuddle with you on the chair or run around with the kids on the playground. Despite being the most popular dogs, there are many things we may not have known yet about them
(1). Labradors love to drink water
Labradors are so fond of water that their owners believe they were born to drink water. Their webbed feet allow them to swim quickly.
Their thick tail or sometimes called the outer tail serves as a powerful rudder and their thick water repellent coat protects their body temperature from the cold water just like the icy Newfoundland waters where they originated.
In fact, they were originally used by fishermen to bring in nets, pull ropes, and retrieve escaped fish because of their love for the water, labradors make excellent competitors in dock diving trials. 10 Things to Know about Dachshund Dog
(2) Labradors are not from labrador
Contrary to their name, Labrador retrievers did not come from Labrador Canada, instead, they were first bred on the island of Newfoundland.
In that place, local water dogs were mixed with Newfoundland dog breeds, the result is saint john’s water dog, an extinct black dog with white markings on its face.
These dogs are the ancestors of labradors. They were bred and developed, to be the sweet loving labradors we know today.
(3) English and American Labradors are the same
Although labradors can come in different body shapes. There’s only one breed of labradors.
They all have different body features and this could be as a result of their purpose.
An English labrador also called show labradors have heavier bones, wider skulls, and a stockier build and they also have shorter muzzles and thick tails.
The American labrador, often known as a field labrador, has larger legs, muscles, and a more athletic build.
They both appear to be different breeds when compared. Despite the fact that they are both dogs of the same breed,
(4). Labradors almost went extinct
Labradors’ dog breed almost went extinct and this is because the Newfoundland government wanted their people to raise sheep so they limit every family to one dog per household. Moreover, dog owners had to pay taxes.
To make matters worse, the government increased the taxes on female dogs in the 1880s, forcing households to discard female puppies from the litter.
Labradors would have disappeared in Canada, Unfortunately, the regulation resulted in the disappearance of the St. John’s water dog in the 1980s.
At one time in England, they were raised as hunting and for family dogs.
The breed was recognized by the kennel club in 1903 and then in 1994, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Labrador retrievers. 8 Things Only Kangal Dog Owners Understand
(5). Labrador retrievers are frequently utilized as guide dogs.
Their breed ratio is 70, according to Guide Dogs of America.
The most usually utilized dogs for guide services are 15 labrador retrievers, 15 german shepherds, and 15 golden retrievers labradors. Mainly because of their innate desire to please humans.
In addition, their size is perfect for being guide dogs, and can easily learn the commands they’re taught.
Not only that, but the labradors also make excellent search and rescue dogs because of their high pain threshold.
It is, however, difficult to tell if they are in discomfort, and the labrador’s excellent sense of smell allows them to detect subtle blood problems.
In fact, Armstrong labrador was the first dog to detect diabetic episodes according to the Guinness world records
(6) Labradors are able to hold things well through their mouth
Labradors are excellent retrievers they were used to gently pick up games shot by their owners. They need to pick it up very carefully so as not to damage it.
Because of their origins as retrievers, labradors may gently grab your arms to hold you.
They have such great control over the strength of their mouth that it’s possible for them to pick up an egg using their mouth and carry it without the egg breaking
(7). The labrador’s color does not define their character
Some people say that yellow labradors are lazier than other colors, others claim that black colored labradors excel at hunting more than the other colors.
However, none of these claims are backed up by science just like humans, each dog is unique in its own ways and it has nothing to do with its color.
Another interesting feature of labradors is that irrespective of the parents’ color, you can have all three colors in one litter. Puppies come in two colors: black chocolate and yellow.
(8). Labradors are fast runners
Labradors are known for their fast speed, in fact, they can hit 12 miles per hour in just 3 seconds.
However, because they are known to be getaways, it is not advisable to leave them unattended when going out. 10 Facts about Australian Shepherd Dog
Be sure to keep them secure in a confined space when going out. Alternatively put tags on them, just in case they stray too far.
Tags containing your address and phone address just to be sure they can be returned to you If they run loose.
(9). Labradors are super energetic dogs
Although they will happily snuggle with you, Labradors were bred to do a lot of work.
If you aren’t using them for a variety of chores, make sure they get their daily activity by jogging, walking, running, or swimming.
A dog without proper exercise may develop destructive behavior such as chewing, excessive barking, or even scratching just so they can burn off their energy, It’s a good exercise to keep them active and happy all-day
(10). labradors are excellent dog sports competitors
They are built for exercise and sports activities.
Train your labrador retriever dog for hunting trials, agility, rally, or obedience, and they are sure to do well as always.
Training should always start and end positively, use positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, praises, and lots of playtimes, this way they’ll see training sessions as an enjoyable activity.
Never ever use harsh punishments to train your dog regardless of the breed, screaming, hitting, or using an angry tone
will not bring good results. Rather, it will weaken your dog’s self-esteem. So keep training them in a gentle and loving way. Take Labrador puppies for training obedient classes.
They have a lot of energy, and with good training and early grooming, they should be able to control themselves, even in strange situations.
In the end, the most adaptable dog you could possibly own is the Labrador retriever.
Provided they’re well taken care of and loved by their owners
